23
I walked through the village quietly examining all the men as they prepared their armor and weapons. Some men were practicing battle stances, while other were shooting arrows into hay structured men. I was afraid for them all. Some men were sparring while others slowly chanted and meditated about what was to come. Now that Bagley was dead and Katsumoto escaped prison, there was no doubt that war would come. Nathan had gone to speak with Katsumoto and a few of the generals planning a strategy. I saw in the field, Ujio was moving slowly and peacefully with a fan in one hand, and his sword at his waist. I watched from afar in silence, not wanting to distract him. He moved with such elegance, I wouldn't believe such thing was possible had I still believed him to be a monster from our first meeting. He moved the fan swiftly before using his sword.
I didn't want him to see me, afraid for him. I kept walking, noticing men examining swords and also creating them. Men were running everywhere with purpose. Some had bows and arrows and others carried armor. I then saw Taka and Higen and Magojiro and when they saw me, Magojiro called out to me and he and Higen ran at me. I smiled and laughed happily to contain my tears as I held my hands out and moved over to them. I got on my knees and hugged them tight. I was so happy to see both of them safe. I pulled back and caressed Magojiro's cheeks then placed my hand on Higen's shoulder. Taka was now standing over us with a smile and I smiled up at her and just stood up and hugged her tight. She was taken back by my actions, but she genty returned the hug. We pulled back and she looked all around her.
"This is our way, our people, mines… and yours. Katsumoto would like you to live amongst us." she said and I inhaled some at her words before nodding.
"Yes." I replied and she just smiled warmly.
I made my way back to Ujio's lodge and slowly slipped inside. It was quiet and still inside. I knew where I was wanting to go. I moved down the familiar halls and to the room I haven't been in to since I first came here. I sighed some and slid the door open and stared at the suit of armor mounted in the middle of the room. I stepped closer to it and observed it more this time.
I could picture him in it even if I tried my best not to. This was him, who he was. It would be a few days before he had to go to war. I heard the front door of the lodge slide open and in seconds, the door of this room was sliding open. I turned and faced him and he seemed calm and rested. I looked down some feeling sad once more, but I shook my head and looked up at him.
"I am afraid for you." I responded opening myself up to him. "I am afraid, but seeing you so ready, gives me strength." Ujio moved over to me and just wrapped his hand around my neck gently and pulled me into him, our lips crashing against one another.
"Seeing you strong brings me honor." he whispered against my lips looking over my face. "And peace." I sighed gently containing my tears and kissed him again, his face caressing my face and hair and I wrapped my arms around him. I could not weaken him with the want I was feeling in my body, not while we were so close to battle. Even though I wanted to feel every bit of him inside me, I would take anything he was willing to give me at this point. He could not stay however, he had to return to Katsumoto and the other generals. So, I went to Taka's home wanting some information on how to put a samurai's armor on. She was showing me her husband's armor and pointed to what pieces go on first. As she spoke, I felt mildly dizzy, and felt knots forming in my stomach. I groaned gently, and felt my stomach tightening hard. I felt I was going to be sick. Immediately, I got up and ran outside toward the back and vomited up everything that was in my stomach which was hardly anything.
"Grasuh!" Taka called out moving up behind me holding on to my arm for support. I winced. What was that all about?
"I don't feel so good." I replied weakly.
"Come lie down. Higen will get the village healer." she said guiding me to a room and helping me lie down softly. Soft blankets were placed over me as I did my best to remain still hoping I wouldn't throw up again.
Normal Pov
Nathan, Katsumoto, Ujio, and a few other generals were outside looking over a map of the land discussing tactics. It had been a busy day and everyone was preparing for the upcoming battle in two days. Magojiro ran through the adults looking for familiar faces. Once he saw the group of men he ran up to them and pulled at Ujio's sleeve making him arch a brow in curiosity. He leaned over to the boy and he whispered in his ear. Ujio's body was immediately tight and he looked at the boy before looking at everyone and suddenly taking off in the direction of Taka's home. Nathan immediately followed knowing Ujio would never leave a meeting unless it were serious. The two warriors ran through the village swiftly until they made it to Taka's home. Ujio slid the door open.
"Grace!" he called out to her and Taka appeared from a room.
"It's okay. Keep your voice down." she said and Nathan was right behind him.
"What's happened?" he asked and Taka just led them down the hall and into a nearby room where Grace was sipping on something an elderly man was giving her. Ujio was immediately worried as he moved into the room. "What's wrong?" Grace looked up at him and smiled some.
"Ujio… I'm pregnant." she said softly and Ujio's body was still, stiller than Nathan's whose mouth was dropping. Taka smiled softly sniffling some from happiness that she thought she would cry.
"I gave her some herbal tea to calm her stomach. She will need lots rest. She is a few weeks in." The man said and Taka nodded to Grace.
"Tea to calm your stomach. You must rest." she translated. Ujio's eyes softened as he took in Grace's words more and slowly he moved over to her and got down on one knee and just leaned in kissing her lovingly and nuzzling her forehead with his own.
"Pregnant." he said breathlessly. Grace nodded, tears falling down her cheeks. Taka smiled moving over to Nathan and embracing him, his arms wrapping around her shoulders. He kissed her forehead lightly in response as they watched the two embrace and kiss each other more. Ujio's hand moved over her stomach gently and she smiled placing her hand over his own.
"It will be a boy." she said and Ujio looked at her stunned.
"How can you tell?" he asked. She smiled and looked down at her stomach.
"In my bloodline, every girl has at least two or three sons before ever having a daughter. We will have a boy, I know it." she explained confidently. Ujio's smile widened.
"My son." he whispered in utter happiness before kissing her once more.
